Iconic middle and long-distance runner Faith Kipyegon has issued a heartfelt appeal to Kenyan fans as the last group of athletes prepares to depart for Paris for the ongoing Olympic Games.
The two-time Olympic champion in the 1500 meters is aiming to clinch her third and fourth gold medals, not only in her specialist event but also in the 5000 meters, echoing her double gold triumph at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Since the national trials in June, Kipyegon has been diligently preparing for the Paris showdown, recovering from an injury that threatened to derail her season.
Kipyegon, the One Mile record holder, is confident about the team’s prospects. “The (women’s 1,500m and 5,000m) selected at the national trials was strong and we hope if we all do the right thing, I think we will do well and we hope for the medals.”
Having shattered her previous 3:49.11 world record on July 7 by setting a new mark of 3:49.04 in Paris, Kipyegon remains focused on the gold medals. “The number one focus in Paris will be the gold medals in the two events,” she stated during her final training session before departure.
While many observers believe that Kipyegon could threaten the women’s 5,000m world record at the Olympics, she remains grounded.